The McGowan Government is calling on three shortlisted applicants to submit their final plans to run Perth's newest attractions - the Matagarup Bridge climb, zip-line and Optus Stadium rooftop climb.
The request for proposals will require potential operators to submit detailed plans about how they will run the new adventure offerings at Optus Stadium and Matagarup Bridge.
Much of the infrastructure required for the bridge climb and zip-line was incorporated into the bridge's design and construction, when the McGowan Government took control of the steel fabrication for the project by bringing the work back to Western Australia from Malaysia.
The bridge climb would potentially allow locals and visitors to ascend 314 steps to the highest point of the locally built Matagarup Bridge, some 60 metres above the Swan River.
Meanwhile, thrillseekers could opt for the Matagarup Bridge zip-line, travelling 300 metres via cables from the halfway point of the bridge to a landing platform on Burswood Peninsula.
The Optus Stadium rooftop climb will start with a 220 step climb to the top of the venue and a 360-degree circumnavigation of the internal perimeter roof.
The tour finishes at the western edge of the roof, where visitors will be able to enjoy amazing views of the Swan River and Perth skyline from a new gantry.
Some events will also make use of new rooftop seats which provide a bird's-eye view of the action below.
Modifications to the existing stadium roof area will be made to allow greater accessibility for wheelchairs and those with impaired mobility.
Work has been underway to facilitate the rooftop climb into the wider contract, however it is likely the bridge climb and zip line will be operational first.
Potential operators also have the opportunity to propose other optional tourism experiences they think could be supported at Matagarup Bridge, Optus Stadium and within Stadium Park.
The proponents will have until September 2019 to submit their proposals, with a contract anticipated to be awarded at the end of the year.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"These activities are a great opportunity to showcase WA-built icons like the Matagarup Bridge to more people - especially those looking for high-quality adventure experiences.
"The time is right for Perth to leverage our landmarks, like Matagarup Bridge, the Swan River and Optus Stadium, to their true potential to help create jobs.
"Much of the infrastructure required to facilitate the climb and zip line was incorporated when the bridge construction was brought back to WA.
"This is a forward thinking proposal that will expand the everyday purpose of the Matagarup Bridge and Optus Stadium to provide a range of benefits to Western Australia, including financial outcomes and jobs.
"Our decision to change the design of the bridge and remove the cladding, allowed installation of stairs for the bridge climb and hook points for a zip-line during the construction phase, making these tourism opportunities possible."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
"The McGowan Government has ensured Optus Stadium's first year-and-a-half of operations has featured some of the world's biggest and best sporting teams and artists.
"The rooftop climb is the next step to provide more opportunities for locals and visitors to enjoy the world-class venue and precinct.
"Optus Stadium and the Stadium Parklands has the potential to offer so much more than somewhere to watch sport and entertainment. We are committed to maximising offerings in and around the venue to provide an enlivened precinct for family entertainment and visitors to WA."
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
"It's great to have new attractions in Perth, particularly adventure experiences, that visitors can book and take part in.
"Providing a good range of tourist attractions encourages people to stay longer and spend more while they're here. This in turn creates more jobs and helps grow our economy.
"Tourism Western Australia has recently introduced a Tourism Case Management Framework, which will see the agency working closely with private sector proponents to help more viable tourism infrastructure and projects become a reality."
